Low vision refers to vision loss that can not be corrected by medical treatment, surgery, or by conventional vision correction in glasses or contact lenses.
There are many conditions which may cause permanent vision loss including: trauma, congenital retinal diseases, macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, and neurodegenerative disease. People who develop a condition resulting in low vision may or may not be legally blind.
Vision rehabilitation is the treatment of low vision conditions with a wide array of specialized devices which have been developed for the partially sighted. These devices will not return vision which has been lost, but can allow a partially sighted individual to best utilize the vision they have to maintain independence and comfort.
Vision rehabilitation may include specific prescriptions for eyewear to maximize usable vision, lens tints to improve contrast and relieve light sensitivity, hand-held and mounted devices which magnify print or items for easier viewing or reading, telescopes and bioptics for improved distance vision, and electronic devices which provide a range of magnification.
Once prescribed, a patient can then work with the low vision specialist to learn how to use and care for their new devices.
The doctors at 20/20 Vision Associates Optometry are excited to offer low vision services to our community. Please contact our office if you would like us to work with you to find the best technology for you.
